Saying the Colorado encroaches on the Silverado is like saying the Ford Escape encroaches on the Ford Expedition.

 

The problem isn't the SIZE encroaching it is the PRICE that is encroaching. I would think it needs to be a $15,000 or less (nicely equipped) base price if they want to sell any meaningful quantity. $30,000 for a crew CAB 4WD Colorado is ridiculous.

-Geoff

 

Just spy photo's I've seen posted here before. The shape of the cab/window/bed/fender flares all remind me of the GMT900's (GMC).

I really like the cab/bed of the rendering you posted... the nose just doesn't fit with the rest of the truck.

 

I just wish around 2007 or so the Colorado got the full size steering wheel and the black tie radio. I think that would have saved it from the dated look it has. The exterior can stand the test of time a lot better than the interior can.

In theory, Colorado Crew/Ext cab pricing should be about the same as the Equinox while the Silverado Crew/Ext cab should be closer to the Tahoe with all options being equal.

 

I'd like to see a small truck "stripper" model closer to $10k.

 

You'll never see a p/u truck that cheap again.
I was just at our car show and there was a brand new Ranger there.
Regular cab, short bed, 2wd, 4 cyl, A/T, steel wheels, blackwall tires, not the basic interior but not the the best either.
Sticker price: $21K and some change.
My top-of-the-line fully loaded Colorado ZQ8 stickered for $21,500.

I think a small pick-up line should start at around $13-15K and end around $25K.

And the Colorado is the perfect size. Not too big, not too small. Hopefully, they don't change the size at all.

 

Yes, GM is working on a new small pickup. GM filed a patent on the design.

Like the patent on the next Malibu, the pictures filed with the patent basically focuses on shapes and sheetmetal character lines. It's a great way to get an idea what it looks like, but nowhere near enough detail or 3D enough in rendering for you to form a judgement on how good (or bad) it will look.

It's probably posted somewhere here, but a google or Yahoo search should pull it up.

Whether or not it's made and sold in the US hasn't been determined yet. I'd bet it will..... just like I'd bet the next Ranger winds up here as well, although Ford has already said it wouldn't....so far.

Spy photos are possible only when the vehicle is pretty much done and the automotive company is either testing components or systems, or doing fine tuning on the track or street. Any Colorado replacement is nowhere near that stage yet.

If you're thinking someone snapping pics of a mockup or prototype, anyone caught taking "spy photos" while on a car company's property will be sued as well as having criminal charges filed with jail time and a pretty hefty fine likely.

Relax. That's not a real vehicle.

It's a very bad photoshop made to go with a story (look at the fender lines and creases). It's has about as much to do with the real pickup as anything you yourself might draw up from your imagination.

Only you're would be better.

The seams would match.

 

???

http://news.pickuptrucks.com/2010/07...-colorado.html

http://news.pickuptrucks.com/2010/03...-colorado.html

Patent pics:

http://news.pickuptrucks.com/2010/06...nt-filing.html

 

Thanks C-10,
I knew there were spy photos out there.

 

The reason small/midsize trucks don't make a good business case for the US, is the vast majority who want them, want to pay next to nothing for them.

They want a truck, but they don't want to pay a truck price. So, they think they should be able to get fullsize truck capability in the smaller package, with all of the goodies, for half price.

It doesn't cost much less to design/build a small truck, than it does a fullsize one.

Toyota can get away with it, because they sell so many Tacomas. The flipside of this, is they sell very few fullsize trucks. It is the same with Nissan and the Frontier vs the Titan. The D3 sell HUGE volumes of fullsize trucks at huge profits.

As a manufacturer, which would you rather sell more of??

 

I remember when trucks were cheap, spartan and utilitarian. Do I really need heated seats in my pick-up? Until I bought my Tahoe, all of my previous trucks had crank windows, vinyl interior, rubber floor mats and no A/C.

There are still a few of us who long for a true stripper pick-up.

 

I think the difference today is a lot of people use their pickup as more than just a pickup... it's their daily driver, their luxury car, etc....

Whenever I replace the SRX (maybe 3-4 years as it stands right now anyway) I will probably go with a crew cab truck... I will want it pretty decked out.

 

I don't know that many people expect an S10 or Colorado to give them full size truck capabilities. I surely wouldn't expect a small(er) truck to tow 11,000 pounds or have monsterous payloads. I like my S10 because it's "right-sized" for what I need it for - I can haul some things around without soaking my wallet for the gas.

Colorado really got expensive when you ordered one with the 5.3 V8 - which I think was done simply as a nod to the Dakota. I really don't see the need for the 5.3 in the Colorado but hey, if you want it, it's nice that Chevy offers it.

Exactly. I think it should have been apparent that pickups were moving out of the strict realm of spartan, farm-type duty when Cadillac introduced one.

 

I just think they run into trouble when the small pickups get to close to full size prices. I used to see a lot of $25K Colorado's on lots, and just down the way there were a couple of work package ext cab 4x4 Silverados for around $30K. My Dad got a 2004 GMC Sierra 5.3 Ext Cab 4x4 Work Package for just under $21K brand new after rebates and such. Colorado/Canyon make little sense at that point.

 

I don't disagree. What I'm saying is that there is place for both types of trucks.

We buy a lot of base F-150s at my work. They're all std cabs, crank windows, etc. They still have AM/FM radio and A/C. We're paying well under $15k each for them. However, they're true work trucks. At most we'll add a tool box to the back. At the other end of the spectrum, you got the crew cabs, loaded with leather, premium sound systems, moon roof, 4X4, etc. Sure I would expect to pay more than double what the base stripper costs, even though they're based on the same platform. There really is a need for both.

The same is even more important for the compact/mid-sized truck. If I am considering a smaller truck, I'm doing it because I may not need the size or towing capacity. Also perhaps to save on fuel costs. Therefore, I should have the same option of ordering a stripper std. cab with no frills if I want to. Sure, you're more likely to get folks buying smaller trucks as a dual purpose vehicle than strictly a work vehicle, however don't leave out the working guy who just wants a smaller truck.